Freezer breaking up into pieces

paul2louise

Mum has a beko fridge freezer and she noticed all this plastic and bits breaking up. I don't know exactly where it is on the pics as she just sent me these. She is having a problem getting hold of beko. She was passed between 5 customer service people yesterday and she doesn't know anything. She is worried it's dangerous. Has anyone seen anything like this before

MattMattMattUK

paul2louise said:

Mum has a beko fridge freezer and she noticed all this plastic and bits breaking up. I don't know exactly where it is on the pics as she just sent me these. She is having a problem getting hold of beko. She was passed between 5 customer service people yesterday and she doesn't know anything. She is worried it's dangerous. Has anyone seen anything like this before

I strongly suspect that is not the freezer "breaking up" but that it is a rodent gnawing it's way through from the outside. 

molerat

MattMattMattUK said:

I strongly suspect that is not the freezer "breaking up" but that it is a rodent gnawing it's way through from the outside. 

I agree with that assessment, the plastic and foam insulation would not disintegrate like that on its own.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jausD8qsnKU

Section62

A freezer in an outbuilding?  I'd suspect a Siberian Hamster.

https://youtu.be/khoJsN3nNzM?si=WRruywv_jNIbAUh8&t=68

Eldi_Dos

But it is a Filigree one so easy mistake to make.

grumbler

https://pest-tech.org/rats-in-the-kitchen/

Eldi_Dos

Op if replacing freezer get one with a metal back.

unforeseen

That looks exactly the same as the Beko we had in the garage. Initially mice but then a rat managed to enlarge it

paul2louise

Thank you all for replies. Yes I think the rodent reason is extremely likely now I think about it. She is close to takeaway shops and has said there are a lot of rats in back access areas which is close to her garage. I will pass on your comments. 

Eldi_Dos

Get in touch with environmental health at your mothers council and express your concerns, especially with takeaways nearby.

Mutton_Geoff

Many fridges & freezers are not suitable for using in a garage where the ambient temperature falls below zero. When shopping for a new one, make sure you buy the correct model. 

Beko make specific units to use in garages - https://www.beko.co.uk/lifestyle/freezer-guard

Also be very careful handling anything that the rats have been near.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leptospirosis/